Kentucky head coach John Calipari has been named a semi-finalist for the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year.

Calipari has won the Naismith Coach of the Year three times in his career and is looking to become the first four-time winner.

After a 10-3 start to the season, the Wildcats won 16 of their next 18 games heading into the SEC Tournament in Nashville.

Following Kentucky’s season opening loss to Duke, the Wildcats have bounced back to overcome early season adversity. At 26-5 overall, Calipari’s Cats are positioned to claim a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky will return to action in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals on Friday night, as Calipari looks to claim his 7th SEC Tournament title in 10 seasons.

About the author /

Shawn Smith is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, where he earned a degree in elementary education. He currently resides in Middlesboro, Kentucky and is a credentialed media member at the University of Kentucky. Smith founded and published Go Big Blue Country in November 2016. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @gbbcountry or reach him via email at gobigbluecountry@gmail.com